Friday, October 9, 2015

Etiquette, Marriage and Divorce?

He looked and acted "like a longshoreman." He wielded a toothpick in company and broke the rules of etiquette in other ways! – Longshoreman on strike in New York, circa 1910

Husband Acted "Like a Longshoreman" Says Wife

Suit of Wealthy Riversider for Divorce Is Denied

Judge Houser of the divorce court yesterday rendered judgment for the defendant In the suit of Thomas Morehouse for a divorce from his wife, Emma I. Morehouse, a wealthy property owner of Riverside, whom the plaintiff charged with cruelty and desertion. Morehouse alleged there was no community property, but his wife, in her response to the suit, declared there was $50,000.The case was marked with testimony regarding complaints made by Mrs. Morehouse against her spouse because of his manners. She alleged he looked and acted "like a longshoreman," and that he wielded a toothpick in company and broke the rules of etiquette in other ways. He alleged cruelty on the grounds that he was "called down" continually as to his manners. The defendant alleged that he deserted her on critical occasions when she required his presence, and her evidence showed she tried to keep him from leaving her. On the latter ground the verdict was rendered against Morehouse. — Los Angeles Herald, 1910

On Etiquette and Social Happiness of the Day

“There is in every human nature the desire for social happiness—which is, frankly, in other words, the desire so to impress by one's manner that one will be welcome and respected wherever one chances to be. And it is only by adhering to the fundamental laws of good society that this social happiness can ever be attained.

In observing the established etiquette of modern society it is necessary to pay particular attention to one's appearance, manner, and speech. It must be remembered that the world is a harsh judge and is perfectly willing to condemn us by outward appearances. In the street-car, in the ball-room, at the theater—every day people are reading the story of our characters and ideals.” –Book of Etiquette / Volume I

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